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10/10/2015

Wienerberger extends partnership with Habitat for Humanity

Wienerberger group, the world's largest producer of bricks, announced a three-year extension of its partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, an international housing charity. Wienerberger will support Habitat's home reconstruction and environmental sustainability projects in Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland and US. The new three-year partnership agreement calls for Wienerberger to construct or renovate 200 homes. Wienerberger will also work with Habitat to increase awareness of housing problems and advocate for better policies in Central and Eastern Europe.

Goal: to support construction of housing for people in need

"As one of the world's largest suppliers of building material and infrastructure solutions, we want to use our products and expertise to create the greatest possible benefits for society. Therefore we have set ourselves the goal of supporting the construction of housing for socially disadvantaged people. Over the last three years, working along with Habitat for Humanity, we have started making real progress by building homes for people in need, " said Heimo Scheuch, Chief Executive Office, Wienerberger.

Partnership started 2012 with projects in Romania and Bulgaria

Initially, Wienerberger supported Habitat housing projects in Romania and Bulgaria providing financial support, bricks, roof tiles, technical expertise and staff volunteers. Almost 130 families received a new home or had their houses renovated. The company also built with Habitat a new hospice and school in Romania helping more than 1, 360 people. In total, more than 2, 000 adults and children in need were helped.

Commitment grew in the last three years and additionally included initiatives in Poland, UK and the US

The partnership grew to include assistance for Habitat initiatives in Poland, United Kingdom and United States. Habitat Poland received financial contribution as well as pipes and fittings for the eco house in Marszewo. In US, the company donated energy efficient bricks for Habitat Holston in Kingsport, Tennessee. In UK, gifts-in-kind included tiles and paving stones for the front and back of 23 houses. In October 2013, two teams of Wienerberger employees helped build new homes in Bulgaria.

Tondach and Pipelife part of aid program

Wienerberger has also broadened its commitment through inclusion of its Tondach and Pipelife subsidiary companies for roof and pipe products.

Significant contribution to help reduce poverty housing

"This is a mutually beneficial partnership for both Wienerberger and Habitat, " said Greg Foster, area vice president for Habitat for Humanity in Europe, Middle East and Africa. "We need partners like Wienerberger whose significant contribution has helped reduce poverty housing. They have also helped us address key housing issues in countries where the need is so great."